Objectives : Aconitine is one of the toxic components of aconitum species. This study was carried out to evaluate gene expressions of herbal prescriptions containg aconitum species and oriental medicinal plants of aconitum species. Methods : We have measured gene expressions in the liver of aconitine, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX., Aconitum ciliare DC. Yong Ho Whan using Sprague-Dawley rat. Gene expression in rat liver has been analyzed using codelink 10k microarray. Results : 1. Genes up-regulated over than 4 fold were 118 and down-regulated less than 4 fold were 91 in aconitine 50 over control. 2. Genes up-regulated of over than 4 fold were 124 and down-regulated less than 4 fold were 98 in Aconitum ciliare DC. 4g/kg/day and 169 of over than 4 fold, and 110 of less than 4 fold for Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX. 4g/kg/day, respectively. 3. Regulated genes in treatment group of Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX, Aconitum ciliare DC. and aconitine was only 2 different genes, Sulfotransferase family 4A, member 1 and Lin-7 homolog b (C. elegans). Conclusions : Gene expression profiles in liver were different among aconitine, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX., Aconitum ciliare DC. and herbal prescription YongHo-whan. Furthermore, we can find many new genes related with effects of aconitum species.

Objectives : Palmul-tang(Bawu-tang) has been traditionally prescribed a medicine as a restorative. Methods : In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity about water-extracted PalMul-tang(Bawu-tang). Twenty-five mice completed 14 days of oral Palmul-tang(Bawu-tang) at the respective doses of 0(control group), 2560, 3200, 4000 and 5000mg/kg. Results : We observed survival rates, general toxicity, change of body weight, and autopsy. Conclusions : To be confirmed the data for the toxicity and safety problems of oriental medicine prescription. Compared with the control group, we could not find any toxic alteration in all treated groups (2560, 3200, 4000 and 5000mg/kg). In conclusion, LD50 of Palmul-tang(Bawu-tang) was over 5000mg/kg and it is very safe to ICR mice.

Objectives : Licorice has been commonly used as a detoxification agent. We previously reported that licorice and its component, liquiritigenin, exhibits cytoprotective activity against Pb-induced toxicity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of liquiritigenin on the lead-induced cytotoxicity in PC-12 cells. Methods : PC-12 cells were pre-treated with liquiritigenin, and further incubated with lead 100 for hours. The viability of PC-12 cells was measured by MTT assay, and the levels of proteins were analysed by western blot. Results : Severe cytotoxicity was induced and nitric oxide (NO) production was augmented by the exposure of lead. Liquiritigenin protected cells from lead-induced cytoxicity and reduced NO production in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of NO production was due to the suppression of iNOS protein via the inhibition of nuclear translocation, determined by western blot analysis. Conclusions : These results suggest that liquiritigenin may exert cytoprotective effect against lead toxicity by inhibiting NO production.

Objectives : Oriental pear was used as treatment of asthma, control of blood pressure, diabetes in oriental medicine. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs to treat asthma. Methods : In order to study the effect of oral administration of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs(Platycodon grandiflorum, Prunus armeniaca) on allergic asthma, mice were pre-treated by oral administration of the solution before antigen sensitization four times for 8 days. 2 days later, mice were actively sensitized with a subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and 13 days later, they were provoked with ovalbumin aerosols. The animals were divided into four groups; Saline, orally administered saline. PC-A, orally administered Phenolic compound extracted from pear peel 10mg/kg/ml. PC-B, orally administered Phenolic compound extracted from pear peel and flesh 10mg/kg/ml. PC-C, orally administered pear 10m/kg/ml, Platycodon grandiflorum 24.4 mg/kg/ml and Prunus armeniaca 33.3 mg/kg/ml. Serum level of IgE, IL-4, cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and in vitro isometric contractile responses of the isolated tracheal smooth muscle(TSM) to acetylcholine(ACh, ), KCl were measured. Results : Contractile responses of TSM to ACh were decreased in PC-A group at Ach 0.1, 0.3, 1 , decreased in PC-B at 0.1 and decreased in PC-C at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 10, 30 . The maximal contractile response of TSM to KCl was decreased in PC-C group, The cell numbers of eosinophil in BALF were decreased in PC-C group, and those of macrophages in BALF were decreased in PC-A and PC-C group. Interleukin-4 in BALF was decreased in PC-A, PC-B, PC-C group. Conclusion : Based on the above results it is assumed that oral administration of phenolic compound extracted from pear and herbal drugs can help the treatment of deficiency allergic Asthma.

objectives: We investigated the moisturizing and cooling effects of the cosmetic product with Scrophularia Buergeriana, Poria Cocos, Lonicera Japonica, Portulaca Oleracea and Ginko Biloba extract on human skin by using non-invasive instrument. Methods: We measured physiological effects after volunteers(female, n=5) applied the cosmetic product containing the extract of oriental herbs. The forearm skin moisturization was measured with CM825 after 15min, 3hr, and 6hr. The forearm skin surface roughness was with Scanning electron microscopy after 15min, and 6hr. The face skin temperatures cooling and microcirculation effects were measured with ThermaCAMTM PM525 and LDl-Periscan PlM II after 15min, and 30min. Results: The forearm skin moisturization was imcreased 108% after 15min. The forearm skin surface roughness was decreased significantly after 15min. The face skin temperatures were cooling down to . The face skin microcirculation effect was normalized time-dependently. Conclusions: We concluded that cosmetic product containing the extract of Scrophularia Buergeriana, Poria Cocos, Lonicera Japonica, Portulaca Oleracea and Ginko Biloba had a moisturization effect and improving the surface roughness, temperature and microcirculation on the human skin.

Objectives : For the congenital feeble, the Gongjindan is useful medicine. The experiment is to estimate the value of the Gongjindan as therapeutic agent preventing against aging with an analysis of the ingredients and the bio-activating effects by enzymologic methods. Methods : General ingredients' of the Gongjindan's extract were analyzed first and the quantitative analysis of a reducing sugar, a soluble protein, an amino acid and minerals was made. The Gongjindan, which is extracted, concentrated, and freeze drying with water, ethanol and chloroform, have got applied for the experiment. The effects on electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, whitening effect have been investigated in the physiological activity measurement of function experiment. Results : The contained amino acid, in order of high amount, is Arginine, Alanine, Glutamic acid, Proline and the contained free amino acid is Glutamic acid, Leucine, Lysine, Phenylalanine. The derivative of free amino acid is acid, Phosphoserine, Taurine. And the Gongjindan is containing 13 species of minerals in order of Ca>K>Na>Mg>Fe>AI>Mn. Then, to assure of the Gongjindan's capability of anti-oxidation, these following subjects-polyphenol, electronic donating ability, SOD-like activity, nitric oxide inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition- are analyzed and show high activity especially the most in ethanol extracts. Conclusion : With this analysis of ingredients, the Gongjindan is containing many materials functioning as anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, neurotransmitter and immune agent. Moreover, In every water, ethanol, chloroform extracts, the Gongjindan's capability of anti-oxidation is confirmed so that we can apply to patients' treatment clinically.

Objectives : Uncontrolled activation of microglia may directly toxic to neurons by releasing various substances such as inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2 and superoxide. In this study, the effects of the several subfractions isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma extract were investigated on NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, Methods : Coptidis Rhizoma extract prepared with 80% methanol, and then fractionated with ethylacetate, chloroform, n-butanol and water. BV2 cells were pretreated four subfractions of Coptidis Rhizoma with various concentrations, and then stimulated with LPS. Cytotoxicity of each fraction was measured by MTT assay. NO production was determined in culture surpernatants by Griess reagent. Results : Ethylacetate, chloroform and butanol fractions of Coptidis Rhizoma extract significantly decreased LPS-induced NO production in BV2 cells as a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Ethylacetate fraction of Coptidis Rhizoma extract was most effective on inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells compared with other fractions. Conclusion : This data indicates that Ethylacetate fraction of Coptidis Rhizoma extract shows strong antiinflammatory effects through inhibition of LPS-induced microglial activation.

A headache due to retention of phlegm has vomitting, dizziness, nausea, etc. A headache due to retention of phlegm mainly was occurred by insufficiency of the spleen and stomach. Banhabaekchulcheonmatang(半夏白朮天麻湯) has effects of strengthening the spleen and reducing phlegm and calming the endopathic Wind relieving fainting. I prescribed the Banhabaekchulcheonmatang(半夏白朮天麻湯) to a patient with headache due to retention of phlegm. After taking these medicines, the patient was cured.

Objectives : The present study had been undertaken to investigate the effects of Korean Corni Fructus(KCF) on treatment of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Method : In this experiment, the rats were ovariectomized. Rats were administered by KCF. The levels of bone mineral density, osteocalcin, ALP, calcium, phosphorus in serum, calcium, phosphorus, deoxypyridinoline in urine, calcium, phosphorus, ash weight of bone, body weight and uterus weight were measured. Results : The levels of femoral and fibula-tibial bone mineral density were significantly increased in comparison with OVX group at 4, 8 weeks in KCF group. The levels of serum osteoclacin showed significant decrease in comparison with OVX group at 4, 8 weeks in KCF group. The levels of serum ALP showed significant decrease in comparison with OVX group at 4 week in KCF group. The levels of serum calcium showed significant increase in comparison with OVX group at 8 week in KCF group. The levels of urine calcium and phosphoruls showed significant decrease in comparison with OVX group in KCF group. The levels of femoral and fibula-tibial calcium didn't show significant changes in comparison with OVX group in KCF group. The levels of femoral and fibula-tibial phosphorus didn't show significant changes in comparison with OVX group in KCF group. The levels of femoral and fibula-tibial ash weight didn't show significant changes in comparison with OVX group in KCF group. The levels of body weight were significantly decreased in comparison with OVX group at 4, 8 weeks in KCF group. The levels of uterus weight were significantly increased in comparison with OVX group in KCF group. Conclusion : Reviewing these experimetal results, it appeared that KCF had efficacy on treatment of osteoporosis.

Objectives : This study presents a high performance liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS) methods for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of various active components in Samul-tang, which is composed of four crude herbs. Methods : HPLC-ESI-MS/MS for the determinations of paeoniflorin and 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethyl 2-furaldehyde) in the Samul-tang, the separation method was performed on an COSMOS1L 5C18-AR-Il (2.0 X 150 mm I.D.) column by gradient elution with 0.1% acetic acid and 5% CH3CN in water (A)-0.1% acetic acid and 5% H20 in CH3CN (B) as the mobile phase at a flow-rate of 300 with detection at quadrupole mass spectrometer. The all marker substances were always detected as the base peaks in the positive ion mode. Results : The paeoniflorin of Paeoniae Radix in Samul-tang showed a strong base peak [M+H2O]+ in the positive detection mode to give the following as; paeoniflorin (498.109 [M+H2O]+, 479.8 [M]+, 301 [M-glucose]+, 179.3 [glucose]+). Based on the HPLC retnetion time and MS of standard compounds confirmed the identity of active compounds in Rehmanniae Radix Preparata as follows; 5-HMF (127.0[M+H]+, 109.3 [M-OH]+) in the positive ion mode. Conclusion : According to the above results, HPLC-ESI-MS method permits assignment of tentative structures such as paeoniflorin and 5-HMF in the Samul-tang.

Objectives : A morphological classification among Pinelliae Tuber, Typhonii Flagelliformis Rhizoma and Arisaematis Rhizoma was made through microscopic observation. Method : The slice of the tested material made by paraffin section technique was colored with Safranine Malachite Green contrast methods, and then observed and photographed by olymphus-BHT. Result : 1. Pinelliae Tuber is like a ball with a diameter, with a concave apex and pockmarked root trace around. 2. Typhonii Flagelliformis Rhizoma is somewhat oval or like a cone, with a diameter, a height, a projected round apex, and a pin-pointed back. 3. Arisaematis Rhizoma is somewhat flat round with a diameter, a little than Pinelliae Tuber, and its apex has incomplete lobopodium and root trace. 4. Fundamental tissues of Pinelliae Tuber, Typhonii Flagelliformis Rhizoma, and Arisaematis Rhizoma have starch grains and mucilage cells, and their mucilage cells include the raphides of calcium oxalate. Conclusion : Internal forms of Pinelliae Tuber, Typhonii Flagelliformis Rhizoma, and Arisaematis Rhizoma are difficult to distinguish from one another, but Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma can be distinguished by their external forms and sizes, and Pinelliae Tuber and Typhonii Flagelliformis Rhizoma were distinguished by the forms of apex.

Objectives : A morphological classification among Sinomenium acutum, Cocculus trilobus and Aristolochia fangchi was made through microscopic observation. Method : The slice of the tested material made by paraffin section technique was colored with Safranine Malachite Green contrast methods, and then observed and photographed by olymphus-BHT. Result : 1. Fiber bundles of pericycle in S. acutum are like a crescent moon, stone cells were found among fiber bundles, and starch grain and raphides of calcium oxalate were included in parenchyma. 2. C. trilobus has the fiber bundle of pericycle resembling a crescent moon, but does not have the raphidesof calcium oxalate. 3. A. fangchi has the raphides of calcium oxalate, but does not have the fiber bundles of pericycle. 4. Stems and roots of S. acutum arc mostly similar, but only stems have the pith. Conclusion :' C. trilobus and A. fangchi can be distinguished from each other by the fiber bundles of pericycle and the raphides of calcium oxalate.

Objectives : A morphological classification among Sophora tonkinensis, Menispermum dauricum and Indigofera kirilowii was made through microscopic observation. Method : The slice of the tested material made by paraffin section technique was colored with Safranine Malachite Green contrast methods, and then observed and photographed by olymphus-BHT. Result : 1. The cross-sections of Sophora tonkinensis and Indigofera kirilowii have piths, but Menispermum dauricum does not have any. 2. The lateral parts of Sophora tonkinensis cortex include the square crystal of calcium oxalate, but Indigofera kirilowii does not. Conclusion : The number of piths and the presence of the square crystal of calcium oxalate can be used to distinguished Sophora tonkinensis from Indigofera kirilowii.

Objectives : A morphological classification among Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Codonopsis lanceolata, Adenophora remotiflora and Codonopsis pilosula was made through microscopic observation. Method : The slice of the tested material made by paraffin section technique was colored with Safranine Malachite Green contrast methods, and then observed and photographed by olymphus-BHT. Result : 1. Codonopsis pilosula is like a long cone, with amole-like projected parts at the beginning of the roots. 2. Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Codonopsis lanceolata, Adenophora remotiflora, and Codonopsis pilosula are all similar as following: 1) Cork layers are composed of a few to over 10 subsidiary cells, with individual or a group of stone cells among them. 2) Phloem is wide and has a milk tube. Conclusion : Adenophora triphylla var. japonica, Codonopsis lanceolata, Adenophora remotiflora, and Codonopsis pilosula are all similar and difficult to be distinguished through microscopic observation, so that chemical experiments should be conducted for their identification.

Objective : Investigation of the anti-stress effects of Sihosogansan Methods : Passive avoidance test(PAT) was performed after applying immobilization stress in water to rats. Also, forced swimming test(FST) was performed to another rats and after FST, the degree of Tyrosine Hydroxylase(TH) expression was measured with immunohistochemical method in the regions of locus coeruleus(LC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Results : In the PAT after immobilization stress in water, response latency was significantly increased in the Sihosogansan(400mg/kg) group in comparison with the control group. In the FST, immobility was significantly decreased in the Sihosogansan groups (100mg/kg, 400mg/kg), comparing with the control group. Stress-induced TH increases were suppressed in the Sihosogansan groups (100mg/kg, 400mg/kg) at the LC and the VTA region respectively. Conclusion : Sihosogansan can improve memory ability of rats, reduce behavior of depression in rats, decrease TH-immunoreactive cells at the LC and VTA region in rat, and it may be concluded that Sihosogansan has significant effect in reducing stress.

Objectives : Investigation of the anitstress effects of Lycii Radicis Cortex. Methods : Behavior was measured in PAT and FST after applying stress to rats. Also, TH expression-degree in the regions of VTA and LC was measured, respectively. Results : The memory was improved in the LH 50mg/kg treated group in the passive avoidance test(P<0.01). The duration of immobility in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in the LR 50mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated groups(P<0.0l). Stress-induced TH increases were meaningfully suppressed in the LR 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated group(P<0.001). Conclusion : Lycii Radicis Cortes has the effect of memory improving and antidepressant.

Objectives : Sophora flavescens (SF) is widely used in traditional herbal medicine in Korea and is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory effect. However, its effect on Tumornecrosis factor alpha (Tnf) production in BV2 microglial cell is not yet known. Methods : We investigated the effect of SF on the production and expression of Tnf, a well known inflammatory mediator, in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells. Results : The LPS-induced Tnf production was markedly reduced by treatment with SF (50 ). In reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, SF suppressed the LPS activated expression of Tnf mRNA. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed that SF suppressed the expression of Tnf. Sophora flavescens also inhibited the LPS-induced phosphylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), which mediate the Tnfproduction signaling pathway whereas LPS-induced phosphylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) was not inhibited by SF, which implies that SF suppresses LPS-induced Tnf production via the ERK mediated pathway. Conclusion : Taken together, these findings indicated that SF inhibits LPS-induce Tnf production, and that this inhibitory effect is mediated via the ERK pathway.

Objectives: Evidences suggests that Ginkgo biloba, a widely used traditional medicine, shows a hypoglycemic effect. Thus, we investigatd the effect of G. biloba extract (GB) on glucose uptake in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. Method : Effect of GB on glucose uptake and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity were assessed using Glucose uptake assay and PI 3-kinase assay, respectively. Also, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) expression were identified by Western blot. Results : Glucose uptake assay revealed that GB increased glucose uptake about 2.5-fold compared to thecontrol. GB stimulated the activity of PI 3-kinase which is a major switch element on the glucose uptake pathway. About a 6.5-fold increase in activity of PI 3-kinase was observed with GB. We then assessed the activity of AMPK, another regulatory molecule on the glucose uptake pathway. The result was that GB increased the phosphorylation level of both AMPK l and 2. The activity of p38 MAPK, a downstream mediator of AMPK, was also increased by CB. Conclusion : These results suggest that GB may stimulate glucose uptake through both PI 3-kinase and AMPK mediated pathways in L6 skeletal muscle cells thereby contributing to glucose homeostasis.

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate effects of Sayeoksanhap-Pyeongweisan-Gambang (SPG) on gene expression in rats damaged by CCl4 Methods : We investigated the effects of SPG on gene expression in terms of microarray methods in rat liver which were obtained from rats damaged by CCl4. Results : Decreased gene expressions, which were induced by single injection of CCl4, were restored to those in normal rats by administration of SPG or herbal acupuncture. In acupuncture group, gene expressions were restored by 80% of those in control group. In oral administration group and combination group, gene expressions were restored above 90% of those in cuntrol group. Conclusion : These results suggest that oral administraion of SPG was useful to protect liver against CCl4 by its restoration of gene expressions in liver resected from rat damaged by CCl4.

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate protective effects of Sayeoksanhap-Pyeongweisan-Gamiban(SPG) on hematological changes in rats damaged by CCl4 Methods : We investigated the effects of SPG on hematological changes in terms of AST/ALT levels, Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride in serum and lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Results : Administration of SPG decreased AST level in serum effectively. In addition, lipid peroxidation in liver tissue, which was elevated by injection of CCl4, was decreased by administration of SPG. In contrast, ALT level, Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride in serum were not affected by administration of SPG. Conclusion : These results suggest that oral administration of SPG was useful to protect liver against CCl4 by its antioxidant action in liver tissues.

Objective : The application of Sam So Eum (蔘蘇飮, SSE) as a herbal medicine to treat asthma in mice has been studied and the mechanism of cytokine production in asthmatic mice was discussed. Recently, SSE was known to have anti-allergic activity. However, its therapeutic mechanisms are unclear. Methods : So, we investigated the effects of SSE on levels of several cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using flow cytometric analysis in allergen-induced asthma. Results : In this experiment, SSE decreased levels of IL-la, IL-17 and GM-CSF respectively. Contrary, SSE restored level of IFN-g toward naive level in BALF. Conclusion : In conclusion, we demonstrate that SSE is useful to treat asthma and it's therapeutic mechanisms are involved in Thl skewing reaction.

Objectives : This study was to verify the Attributive Channel theory of herbal medicine. Methods : [13lI]iodocurcumin was synthesized, separated, and refined from curcumin, the major component of Curcuma species, followed by observing the biodistribution in an organism. Especially, from the fact that curcumin has shown to possess potent anti-carcinogenic properties, the biodistribution in the carcinogenesis organism was analyzed. Result : Iodocurcumin 23mg was obtained through column chromatography after a reaction with 50mg of Curcumin and ICl. The nominal yield of [13lI]iodocurcumin synthesis was 35% when checked with radioactive layer of chromatography. [13lI]iodocurcumin was most largely distributed in the stomach of a BALB/c mouse and a C57BL/6 mouse transplanted with Lewis lung carcinoma cell. Conclusion : The fact that [13lI]iodocurcumin was most largely distributed in the stomach was related with the Attributive Channel theory. And there was no significant finding related to tumor cells.

Objective : This study was observed the variation of components from Scutellariae Radix (SR) by processing and storage. Methods : The main component of SR is analysed after various processing and also storage condition by HPLC. Result : 1. In wine-fried SR, the contents of baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin-A was significantly increased. However, the content of baicalin was decreased slightly. In charred SR, the contents of baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin- A was significantly increased. However, the content of baicalin was decreased greatly. 2. The contents variation of SR was not almost changed in room and cold condition. But in accelerated condition, the content of baicalin was slightly decreased, and the contents of baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin-A was significantly increased. 3. The contents variation of wine-fried SR was not almost changed in room and cold condition. But in accelerated condition, the content of baicalin was signifjcantly decreased. 4. The contents variation of charred SR was not almost changed in all conditions. Conclusion : The bioactivity of SR and wine fried SR might be changed by the contents varition during longterm storage. charred SR can be preserved more than two years in room and cold condition.